Endoscope system including a resilient reservoir

ABSTRACT

A system comprising: (a) a sheath configured to receive all or a portion of an endoscope; (b) an irrigation line connecting the sheath to an irrigation source; (c) a suction line connecting the sheath to a suction sources, and (d) a control module located between the sheath, and the irrigation source and the suction source and controls flow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation source to the sheath and movement of suction between the suction source and the sheath; wherein the irrigation source is connected to a resilient reservoir that is located within the control module and movement of the control module compresses the resilient reservoir moving irrigation fluid from the resilient reservoir to the sheath so that the irrigation fluid assists in cleaning the endoscope, and wherein the control module includes a valve and compression of the resilient reservoir initiates movement of the valve so that the valve opens and suction from the suction line is applied to the sheath.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to a system including endoscopesheath that assists in washing a lens and/or imaging device of anendoscope and resilient reservoir for supplying irrigation fluid.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopes are typically used for minimally invasive surgery or toprovide access to an internal location of a patient so that a doctor isprovided with visual access. Endoscopes, during use, may be insertedinto a location that may include debris that may cover the end of theendoscope and especially cover an imaging device located at the end ofthe endoscope. For example, an endoscope being used for surgery maybecome covered by blood and the blood may impair the vision of a surgeonso that surgery becomes increasingly difficult. Attempts have been madeto provide various devices and systems to assist a surgeon clearingdebris from the imaging device of the endoscope and restore vision.These devices may remove some of the debris from the imaging device ofthe endoscope, however, these devices may not remove all of the debrisand/or may leave spots or droplets on the imaging device, which mayresult in continued impairment. These devices may have features thatattempt to control the flow of fluid, suction, or both at the end of theendoscope in an attempt to clear debris, spots, droplets, or acombination thereof from the endoscope. Further, some of the endoscopesystems leave droplets on the imaging device and/or lens and thesedroplets may inhibit vision through the lens and/or imaging device.Additionally, irrigation fluid and suction may be controlled by pressingone or more buttons located on the endoscope sheath which may result inrepositioning of the endoscope during washing and/or cleaning or maycause the surgeon to reposition the endoscope within their hand.

Examples of some endoscope cleaning systems and actuation devices tocontrol the endoscope cleaning systems may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,505,707; 5,575,756; 5,630,795; 6,447,446; 8,079,952; 8,231,574 andU.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0025646, 2008/0081948, and2013/0289595 all of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety herein for all purposes. It would be attractive to have anendoscope system that washes an endoscope lens and/or imaging device andremoves all debris and fluid droplets so that vision is not impaired.What is needed is a method of cleaning where there is no delay betweenan irrigation step and a suction step. What is needed is method ofcleaning the endoscope where the irrigation step and suction step aretriggered by a single action. It would be attractive to have anendoscope system that is free of a pump and is controlled by a footsystem.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs byproviding: a system comprising: (a) a sheath configured to receive allor a portion of an endoscope; (b) an irrigation line connecting thesheath to an irrigation source; (c) a suction line connecting the sheathto a suction source; and (d) a control module located between thesheath, and the irrigation source and the suction source and controlsflow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation source to the sheath andmovement of suction between the suction source and the sheath; whereinthe irrigation source is connected to a resilient reservoir that islocated within the control module and movement of the control modulecompresses the resilient reservoir moving irrigation fluid from theresilient reservoir to the sheath so that the irrigation fluid assistsin cleaning the endoscope, and wherein the control module includes avalve and compression of the resilient reservoir initiates movement ofthe valve so that the valve opens and suction from the suction line isapplied to the sheath.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings comprises: a methodcomprising: (a) connecting a sheath to an endoscope; (b) connecting adelivery line to the sheath; (c) connecting a suction source to acontrol module by a suction line; (d) connecting an irrigation source tothe control module by an irrigation line; and (a) connecting the controlmodule to the delivery line by the suction line and the irrigation lineso that suction and irrigation fluid extend through the control module;wherein application of the irrigation fluid and application of thesuction are provided from a single event.

The teachings herein provide an endoscope system that washes anendoscope lens and/or imaging device and removes all debris and fluiddroplets so that vision is not impaired. The teachings herein provide amethod of cleaning where there is no delay between an irrigation stepand a suction step. The teachings herein provide a method of cleaningthe endoscope where the irrigation step and suction step are triggeredby a single action. The teachings herein provide an endoscope systemthat is free of a pump and is controlled by a foot system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates top view of an endoscope sheath;

FIG. 1B illustrates a proximal end view of an endoscope sheath of FIG.1A;

FIG. 1C illustrates a distal end view of an endoscope sheath of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of FIG. 1C along lines A-A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an endoscope inserted in the endoscopesheath of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 illustrates a system including a sheath;

FIG. 5 illustrates another system including a sheath of the teachingsherein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system including a foot control module;

FIG. 7 illustrates a resilient reservoir;

FIG. 8 illustrates a control module including a resilient reservoir;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a control module; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a control module with a coverremoved from the base portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/882,652, filed on Sep. 26, 2013, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for allreasons. The present teachings provide an endoscope sheath for use in asystem. The system of the teachings herein includes an irrigation sourceand a suction source that are both connected to an endoscope sheath andare in communication with an endoscope. The system may include one, ormore control modules. The system may function to clean an endoscope.Preferably, the system functions to clean a distal end (i.e., a tip) ofan endoscope. More preferably, the system functions to clean an imagingdevice of an endoscope. The system may include one or more functionalcomponents that may extend proximate to a distal end of an endoscope orbeyond a distal end of an endoscope. The system may provide one or moreconduits relative to the endoscope. The system may protect theendoscope. The system may include one or more sources of irrigationfluid for use with the system, and the one or more sources of irrigationfluid, suction, or both may be controlled by one or more controlmodules.

The one or more control modules may function to control the amount offluid, suction, or both applied to a predetermined area, an area ofinterest, the endoscope, or a combination thereof. The one or morecontrol modules may control the order of application of fluid, suction,or both relative to each other. The one or more control modules mayfunction to stop suction, stop irrigation fluid, apply irrigation fluid,apply suction, or a combination of both. The one or more control modulesmay be powered by electricity, batteries, or both. The one or morecontrol modules may include one or more pumps, one or more valves, oneor more user interfaces, or a combination thereof. The one or more userinterfaces may be one or more control knobs, one or more selectors, oneor more top plates, one or more actuation petals, one or more poppetvalves, one or more indicators, one or more user controls, one or moredevices for changing a parameter, or a combination thereof. The one ormore control modules may include any of the pumps discussed herein andbased upon feedback from the user interface may control the pump toperform the selected parameter. The one or more control modules maycontrol one or more valves. The one or more control modules may preventapplication of suction and irrigation fluid at the same time. The one,or more control modules may control one or more valves so that suction,irrigation fluid, or both may be applied in series, in parallel,simultaneously, one at a time, or a combination thereof. The one or morecontrol modules may be physically connected, electrically connected, orboth to one or more suction lines, one or more irrigation lines, one ormore valves, or a combination thereof. The one or more control modulesmay control suction and irrigation fluid relative to each other. Thecontrol module may include a microprocessor, a computer, a controlalgorithm, or a combination thereof.

The control module may include one or more switches. The one or moreswitches of the control module may be in communication with one or moreactuation members, one or more resilient reservoirs, or both. The one,or more switches may be actuated by the resilient reservoir when theresilient reservoir is compressed. The one or more switches may be apressure sensor. The one or more switches may be a flow sensor (e.g.,that senses flow out of the resilient reservoir). The switch, may be amagnetic switch (e.g., having two magnets that are moved into contactand/or apart from each other). For example, when the actuation member iscompressed, two magnets may be moved together causing one or more eventsto occur and when the magnets are moved apart another event for noevent) may occur. The one or more switches may generate a signal, may bean event that sets off a series of events, or both. The control modulemay control one more valves located within the system, connected to thecontrol module, or both. The one or more control modules may perform asuction function, an irrigation function, or a combination of both upona selection by the user as is indicated by the user interface. Thecontrol module may control the running speed, pumping duration, suctionduration, or a combination thereof of the pump so that irrigation fluidis moved to the sheath. The one or more control modules may be part of astand, part of a foot petal, or a combination of both.

The one or more control modules may be located at, an elevated positionso that a user may adjust the control module, activate the controlmodule, or both using hand controls (e.g., a console). The one or morecontrol modules may be located on a floor position so that the user mayadjust the control module using one or both feet. The one or morecontrol modules may be part of a foot switch, a foot activation device,a foot petal, or a combination thereof. Functionality of the controlmodule may be separated between a foot petal (e.g., a foot console) andan elevated portion of the control module (e.g., a hand console) and oneor both be used to control an actuation cycle. The foot control modulemay include one or more switches, one or more valves, one or moreactuation devices, or a combination thereof. The suction lines, theirrigation lines, or both may be directly connected to the foot controlmodule, the hand control module, or split between the two. Preferably,when a foot control module is used all of the functionality is locatedin the foot control module. The foot control module, the hand console,the control modules, or a combination thereof may include one or moreactuation members.

The one or more actuation members may function to initiate anapplication of suction, irrigation fluid, or both. The one or moreactuation members may function to initiate the application of suctionand irrigation fluid with a single movement. The one or more actuationmembers may move relate to one or more parts of the control module. Theone or more actuation members may move relative to a base of the controlmodule. The one or more actuation members may pivot about a pivot point.The one or more actuation members may compress a resilient reservoir sothat irrigation fluid is applied. The one or more actuation members maytrigger an application of suction. The one or more actuation members maybe electrically connected, mechanically connected, or both to one ormore valves. The one or more actuation members may control a pressure ofthe irrigation fluid. For example, applying more pressure to theactuation member may result in the irrigation fluid being applied withmore pressure. The amount of pressure applied to the actuation membermay not affect the pressure of the irrigation fluid. The one or moreactuation members may extend over one or more resilient reservoirs. Theactuation member may be a finger switch, a foot pedal (or switch), orboth. The actuation member may be part of a control module. The one ormore actuation members may be connection to one or more base members.

The one or more base members (i.e., base) may function to support thecontrol module. The one or more base members may function to support aresilient reservoir, one or more actuation members, or both. The one ormore base members may be connected to one or more valves (e.g., checkvalves). The one or more base members may receive one or more lines(e.g., irrigation lines, suction lines, or both). The one or more basemembers may support the control module on a surface. The one or morebase members may include mechanical controls, electrical controls, orboth. The one or more base members may provide a pivot point so that theactuation member may move relative to the base member. The base membermay create a pivot point for the actuation member to rotate about. A pinmay extend through the actuation member connecting the actuation memberto a base so that the actuation member may be rotated about the pin tocreate pressure on a resilient reservoir. The base member, may supportone or more resilient reservoirs so that the actuation member may moveand compress the resilient reservoir to apply irrigation fluid.

The one or more resilient reservoirs may function to apply irrigationfluid. The one or more resilient reservoirs may function to generatepressure in applying irrigation fluid. The one or more resilientreservoirs may function to act as an intermediary point for irrigationfluid. The one or more resilient reservoirs may be connected to anirrigation source. The one or more resilient reservoirs may include anentrance port, an exit port, or both. The entrance port and the exitport may be the same port. For example, fluid may be moved into theresilient reservoir through an entrance port during filling and thenexit the entrance port (i.e., exit port) during compression so that thefluid exits the resilient reservoir and is directed towards the sheath.The entrance port and the exit port may be located on opposite sides ofthe resilient reservoir. The entrance port and the exit port may includeone or more valves and preferably one or more one way valves (i.e.,check valves). The one or more resilient reservoirs may be a storagelocation for fluid. The one or more resilient reservoirs may be atemporary storage location for irrigation fluid. The one or moreresilient reservoirs may hold a single application of irrigation fluid.The one or more resilient reservoirs may expand when filling and/orreceiving irrigation fluid. The one or more resilient reservoirs maycontract when expelling fluid, being compressed, or both. The one ormore resilient reservoirs may have a volume that large enough to provide1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 5 or moreapplications of irrigation fluid. The one or more resilient reservoirsmay have a volume to apply 10 or less, 8 or less, or 6 or lessapplications of irrigation fluid. The resilient reservoir may be a bulb.The resilient reservoir may return an actuation member back to astarting position, a steady state, an original position, or acombination thereof. The resilient reservoir may expand and drawirrigation fluid from an irrigation source. The resilient reservoir maygenerate a vacuum so that irrigation fluid is drawn from an irrigationsource. The one or more resilient reservoirs may be made of any materialthat expands and contracts. The one or more resilient reservoirs may bemade of a material that elastically deforms. The one or more resilientreservoirs may be made of a material that does not plastically deform.The one or more resilient reservoirs may be made of and/or include anelastomer, elastic, rubber, or a combination thereof. The one or moreresilient reservoirs may be made of plastic. The one or more resilientreservoirs may be made of the same material as the one or moreirrigation lines, one or more suction lines, one or more delivery lines,one or more common lines, or a combination thereof. The one or moreresilient reservoirs may be made of a material that is capable ofholding material a fluid without leaking. The irrigation fluid mayfunction to clean an endoscope, clear debris from a location proximateto the endoscope, be bioabsorbable, or a combination thereof. Theirrigation fluid may function to move solid particles, move opaquefluids, or both. The irrigation fluid may be applied with a pressure.The pressure of the irrigation fluid may be varied by changing theheight of the irrigation source relative to the sheath so that the headof the irrigation fluid is increased or decreased. The pressure of theirrigation fluid may be sufficiently high so that the irrigation fluidmay be redirected by a flow director. The irrigation fluid may beapplied with a pressure of about 0.10 MPa or more, about 0.20 MPa ormore, about 0.30 MPa or more, or even about 0.50 MPa or more. Theirrigation fluid may be applied with a pressure of about 3 MPa or less,about 2 MPa or less, about 1 MPa or less, or even about 0.75 MPa orless. The pressure of the irrigation fluid may be varied fromapplication to application, during a single application, or both. Forexample, pressure of the irrigation fluid may be varied by varying theamount of pressure on the actuation member, the resilient reservoir, orboth. The irrigation fluid may be applied with a sufficient amount ofpressure that the surface tension of the irrigation fluid wicks theirrigation fluid across the distal end, the imaging portion, or both ofthe endoscope (e.g., the pressure may be low enough that the irrigationfluid remains in contact with the endoscope, the sheath, or both). Theirrigation fluid may be stored in a location and the location may be anirrigation source. The irrigation source may store a sterile fluid. Theirrigation source may be connected to a resilient reservoir by one ormore supply lines. The irrigation source may be connected to a controlmodule by a supply line so that the supply line supplies irrigationfluid directly and/or indirectly to a sheath. The irrigation source mayprovide irrigation fluid to a distal location via one or more supplylines. The irrigation fluid may be applied with a gravity feed, thus,the pressure of the irrigation fluid may be determined by the height ofan irrigation source. For example, the irrigation source may be an IVbag and the height of the IV bag may determine the amount of pressureand/or force generated at the distal tip of the sheath, endoscope, orboth. Preferably, the irrigation fluid is gravity fed from an irrigationsource to a resilient reservoir and the resilient reservoir assists ingenerating pressure. The irrigation fluid may be applied by a pump thatpumps the fluid at a predetermined pressure. Preferably, the irrigationfluid is not applied by a pump. The irrigation fluid may be continuouslyapplied, intermittently applied, or both during an application cycle.The pressure of the irrigation fluid may change when the irrigationfluid reaches the end of an endoscope sheath so that the fluid cleansthe endoscope, creates turbulence at the end of the endoscope, or both.Preferably, the pressure is sufficiently low so that the flow across theendoscope is laminar. The pressure of the irrigation fluid may be variedbased upon the size, length, or both of an irrigation line extendingbetween an irrigation source and the sheath. The irrigation source maybe a reservoir that fluid is drawn from by a fluid movement mechanism(e.g., a pump and/or resilient reservoir) and moved through the sheathto provide irrigation to a distal end of an endoscope, to clean anendoscope, or both.

The pump may function to circulate irrigation fluid, move irrigationfluid through one or more lines, move fluid through a sheath, moveirrigation fluid to a resilient reservoir, or a combination thereof. Thepump may function to create a negative pressure (e.g., suction orvacuum). The pump may move fluid with an impeller. The pump may be alobe pump, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a rotarypositive displacement pump, a diaphragm pump, peristaltic pump, ropepump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a progressing cavity pump, a roots-typepump, a plunger pump, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the pumpmoves a constant amount of fluid upon being activated, a constant amountof fluid may be varied from application to application, or both. Morepreferably, the pump is a peristaltic pump. Even more preferably, thesystem may be free of a pump to supply irrigation fluid through theirrigation lines.

The one or more irrigation lines may function to connect the sheath toan irrigation source, a resilient reservoir, one or more valves, or acombination thereof. The irrigation lines may function to create a headso that pressure is created and the irrigation fluid is applied with aforce. The one or more irrigation lines may connect one or moreresilient reservoirs with an irrigation source. The one or moreirrigation lines may extend through a control module. The irrigationline may be flexible, movable, or both. The irrigation lines may becompressible. One or more and preferably a plurality of irrigation linesmay extend between an irrigation source, a resilient reservoir, acontrol module, and the sheath. The one or more irrigation lines mayconnect to one or more entrance ports, one or more exit ports, or bothof a sheath, a resilient reservoir, an irrigation source, or both. Theirrigation lines may be made of any material that is compatible with theirrigation fluid, a patient, use in a surgical procedure, or acombination thereof. The irrigation lines may connect the sheath to anirrigation source, a suction source, or both (i.e., suction may beapplied through the irrigation line).

The suction source may function to remove fluid, debris, opaque fluids,unwanted material, or a combination thereof from a point of interest,from a distal end of the sheath a distal end of the endoscope, or acombination thereof. The suction source may function to perform a dryingfunction, remove fluid spots, or both. The suction source May be a pump,reversal of a motor, a common suction source, a hospital suction source,or a combination thereof. The suction source may apply a sufficientamount of vacuum to remove a predetermined amount of fluid in apredetermined amount of time. For example, the suction source may applysuction so that 10 ml of fluid may be removed in 1 to 2 seconds. Thesuction source may apply suction for a predetermined amount of time. Thepredetermined amount of time may be about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,15, or 20 second or more. The suction source may continuously providesuction and one or more valves may open and close to control theapplication of the suction. The suction source may provide suctionimmediately after the irrigation source ceases to provide irrigationfluid, after a delay or both. The suction source may apply a continuoussuction, intermittent suction, or both.

The suction line may function to connect the sheath to the suctionsource so that suction may be pulled, through the sheath. The suctionline may function to connect the sheath to, a suction source. Thesuction line may assist is moving fluids, removing fluids, removingdebris, removing opaque fluids, removing particles, or a combinationthereof. The suction line may be any line that may assist in creating avacuum at a distal tip of the endoscope, the sheath, or both. Thesuction line and the irrigation line may be the same line. The suctionline and the irrigation line may be connected to a common line. Thesuction line and the irrigation line may be connected by one or morefittings, one or more valves, or both.

The one or more valves may function to allow only one functions (e.g.,irrigation or suction) to work at a time. The one or more valves mayfunction to block the irrigation line, the suction line, or both. Theone or more valves may only allow suction or irrigation to be applied ata given time. The one or more valves may be or include a check valve, aback flow preventer, or both. The one or more valves may be a poppetvalve. The poppet valve may be any poppet valve taught herein includinga poppet valve taught in U.S. Ser. No. 13/457,007 filed on Apr. 26, 2012the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein andspecifically the teaching as to FIGS. 5-7. The one or more valves may bea two way valve, a valve that only allows for the application of a fluidand/or suction at one time. The one or more valves may be locatedproximate to the sheath, proximate to the irrigation source, proximateto the suction source, proximate to the resilient reservoir, or alocation therebetween. Preferably each side of the resilient reservoirincludes a valve. More preferably, each side of the resilient reservoirincludes a check valve so that during an application of pressure fluidis prevented from being moved towards the irrigation source and duringexpansion of the resilient member, refilling of the resilient member, orboth the resilient member does not create suction, from the sheath. Eachof the lines may include a valve. If more than one valve is present thevalves may be electrically connected, hydraulically connected, fluidlyconnected, or a combination thereof so that if one valve is openedanother valve is closed, a series of valves are opened, a series ofvalves are closed, or a combination thereof. The one or more valves maybe mechanically controlled, electrically controlled, passive, active, ora combination thereof. The two or more valves (e.g., a first valve and asecond valve) may be electrically connected, electrically controlled, orboth. The two or more valves may be operated in a sequence (e.g., oneopened and then one closed), operated simultaneously, operated on adelay, or a combination thereof. For example, only one valve may be openat a time. In another example, one may close and after a time delayanother may open. The one or more valves may be part of a commonfitting, located proximate to, a common fitting, or both.

The one or more common fittings, may function to connect two or morelines into a common line. The one or more common fittings may functionto connect a suction line and an irrigation line to a common port, asheath, or both. The one or more common fittings may connect a singleline to multiple devices so that multiple devices may be usedsimultaneously, in series, in parallel, or a combination thereof. Forexample, the common fitting may connect a suction line and an irrigationline to a common line, that is connected to a sheath and, duringoperation, an irrigation fluid may be applied and then after a delayand/or immediately when the irrigation fluid ceases to be applied,suction may be applied to the suction line so that irrigation fluid,excess irrigation fluid, debris, particles, opaque fluids, or acombination thereof are removed from the distal end of the endoscope.The one or more common fittings may have two more openings, three ormore openings, four or more openings, or even five or more openings.Each opening may receive at least one line and fluidly connect the oneor more fines together. More than one common fitting may be used toconnect multiple lines together. For example, a first common fittingwith three openings may be connected to second common fitting with withthree openings so that two tubes are connected to one opening of thefirst common fitting and one tube is connected to each of the other twoopenings. Preferably, the common fitting is generally “Y” shaped and twoof the openings lead into a third opening that is connected to a commonline and/or a delivery line.

The common line may function to deliver irrigation fluid, suction, orboth to a sheath. The common line may function to provide a combinationof multiple different fluids, devices, suction levels, fluid pressures,or a combination thereof. The common line may provide a single accesspoint between the irrigation source and the suction source and thesheath. The common line may have an increased cross-sectional area(e.g., diameter) relative to the cross-sectional area of the irrigationline, the suction line, or both. The common line may be the same size(e.g., cross-section) as one or both of the irrigation line, the suctionline, or both. The common line has a volume. The volume of the commonline may be sufficiently large so that during application of suction theirrigation fluid is not entirely removed from the common line. Forexample, the common line may be entirely filled during a cycle ofapplying irrigation fluid and during the application of suction aportion of the common line may include air, be a mixed phase, or both.The common line may be sufficiently small so that during application ofsuction the line is completely evacuated. The common line may have alength of about 5 cm or more, 10 cm or more, 20 cm or more, or evenabout 50 cm or more. The common line may have a length of about 4 cm orless, about 3 cm or less, or about 2 cm or less. The common line mayhave a volume of about 5 ml or more, about 10 ml or more, about 15 ml ormore, or even about 20 ml or more. The common line may have a volume ofabout 4 ml or less, about 3 ml or less, or even about 2 ml or less. Thecommon line may be the same size as one or both of the irrigation linesand/or the suction lines. The common line may extend between the commonfitting and a port of the sheath. The common line may be a deliveryline.

The delivery line, may function to deliver fluids to a sheath. Thedelivery line may function to deliver suction to the sheath. Thedelivery line and the common line are preferably the same line. Theteachings herein for the common line are incorporated by reference herefor the delivery line. The delivery line common line, or both may beused during an application cycle.

The application cycle may be any cycle where an endoscope is cleaned.The application cycle may be a method of cleaning, washing, or both anendoscope. The application cycle may be a cycle where a combination ofdifferent items are applied, a combination of different sequences areperformed, or both. The application cycle may be a cycle where anirrigation fluid and suction are applied in a sequence to clean anendoscope. The application cycle may be a combination of one or moreapplications of fluid, one or more applications of suction, or both. Theapplication cycle may be an application of fluid and immediatelythereafter an application of suction to remove excess fluid form a pointof interest, the distal end of the endoscope, the distal end of thesheath, or a combination thereof. The application cycle may be triggeredby a single event. For example, pressing an actuation member may triggerthe application of irrigation fluid and a subsequent application ofsuction. The application cycle may be triggered by actuating theactuation member only. For example, upon pressing the actuation member apredetermined amount of fluid may be applied and then after apredetermined amount of time a predetermined amount of suction may beapplied. A sequence of events resulting in the cleaning of the endoscopemay be, triggered from a single event (e.g., applying fluid, suction,refilling a resilient reservoir, opening and closing of valves, or acombination thereof). The application cycle may have no delay between anend of the application of an irrigation fluid and the beginning of theapplication of suction. For example, upon completion of the irrigationfluid being applied the suction may immediately begin. A delay may bepresent between an application of suction and an application ofirrigation fluid. The delay may be for a predetermined amount of time.The delay may be for about 1 second or more, about 2 seconds or more,about 3 seconds or more, or about 4 seconds or more. The delay may befor about 10 seconds or less, about 8 seconds or less, or about 5seconds or less. The application cycle may be varied by a user.

The application cycle may include only an application of fluid (i.e., aflushing cycle, a washing cycle) with no suction. The application cyclemay be user activated for a predetermined amount of time. Theapplication cycle may be activated based upon a duration a useractivates a switch. For example, a user may pre-set the activation cycleso that one touch of the switch causes the irrigation fluid to run for 5seconds. The user may pre-set the activation cycle so that no suction isused. The application cycle may be a concurrent application of fluid andsuction. For example, suction may begin being applied before theirrigation fluid is turned off. The application cycle of the irrigationfluid, the suction, or both may be changed by a user changing aselector, actuating a control longer, changing an input, adjusting acontrol module, adjusting selector switches, adjusting a user interface,or a combination thereof. The application cycle may be sufficiently longso that an image sensor of an endoscope is clear and good images may betaken.

The endoscope may function to provide an image to a surgeon, a doctor, anurse, any other person who desires visual access to a remote location,or a combination thereof. The endoscope may be used for non-invasivesurgery. The endoscope may be used for orthoscopic surgery. Theendoscope may be inserted in a cut in tissue. The endoscope may be usedfor insertion into an orifice including an ear, nose, throat, rectum,urethra, or a combination thereof. The endoscope may have a generallycircular cross-section. The endoscope may have a tubular section that isgenerally cylindrical (i.e., internal portion). The endoscope may have atubular section extending to the distal end and a handpiece connected tothe tube and extending to the proximal end. The endoscope may have acylindrical distal end. The body of the endoscope and the distal end ofthe endoscope may be different shapes. The endoscope may include one ormore image sensors in a distal end region (i.e., internal portion). Theone or more image sensors may be located in an external portion of theendoscope and fiber optics connected to the image sensor may transmit asignal through the internal portion to the external portion. Theendoscope may include two or more image sensors. The endoscope mayinclude an image sensor at the most distal point of the endoscope. Theendoscope may include an image sensor that is located on an angle. Theangle of the image sensor, viewing face, or both may be about 0°, 20°,30°, 45°, 60°, 70°, or a combination thereof. The image sensor mayprovide black and white images, color images, thermal images, or acombination thereof. Preferably, the image sensor, imaging device, orboth are located substantially at the distal end. The angle of the imagesensor, the viewing face or both may dictate the angle, shape, viewingcone, or a combination thereof of the endoscope.

The viewing cone may be an area of visibility of the endoscope. Theviewing cone may be variable, adjustable, or both. The angle of theviewing, cone may be movable. The angle of the viewing cone may bepredetermined based upon the type of endoscope selected. The angle ofthe viewing cone may not be affected by the flow director, lumen,sheath, or a combination thereof. The location of the endoscope withinthe sheath may vary based upon the angle of the viewing cone. Forexample, the shape of the sheath may offset the endoscope to one sidemore or less based upon the angle of the viewing, cone so that theendoscope sheath does not interfere with the imaging of the endoscope.The viewing cone may extend outward from the distal end of the endoscopein a cone shape.

The distal end of the endoscope may function to be inserted into apatient so that a feature of interest may be viewed, through minimallyinvasive means. The distal end of the endoscope may be the leadingportion of the endoscope (i.e., the first portion that enters apatient). The distal end may function to provide washing functions,suction functions, irrigating functions, or a combination thereof thatdirect the irrigation fluid and suction across the viewing face of theendoscope, the lens, or both. The distal end may include one or moreopenings. The one or more openings may be at the very end of the distalend (e.g., a 0 degree opening). The one or more opening may be in asidewall of the sheath, the tube, or both (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees,60 degrees, 70 degrees). The one or more openings may extend into theone or more openings so that a feature of interest may be viewed throughthe opening. The distal end of the endoscope may be on an opposing endof the endoscope as a proximal end. The proximal end may function to begripped by a user. The proximal end may function to provide controls toa user. The proximal end may provide an interface for connecting otherfunctional components such as an imaging device (e.g., a camera). Theproximal end may function to provide power, sensing, suction, fluid,control, a connection point to outside devices, or a combination thereofto the distal end of the endoscope. The proximal end may be retained outof the patient and the distal end may be inserted in the patent. Ashoulder may be located between the distal end and the proximal end.

The shoulder may function to prevent the proximal end from entering apatient. The shoulder may function to form a connection point with atube of the endoscope. The shoulder may be a terminal portion of aproximal end of the endoscope. The shoulder may prevent a sheath fromaxially moving towards the proximal end of the endoscope. The shouldermay be located proximate to one or more light posts.

The light post may function to provide light into the endoscope. Thelight post may direct light into the endoscope and out of the tube ofthe endoscope so that a feature of interest is illuminated. The lightpost may provide light so that a user can see features of interests thatare located in low light conditions. The one or more light posts mayprovide light through the endoscope, so that the visual port may be usedfor observing a feature of interest at a distal end of the endoscope.

The visual port may function to provide a viewing window for a user. Thevisual port may function to allow a user to observe a feature ofinterest. The visual port may function to provide an output so that animage is displayed on a monitor. The visual port may provide visualaccess through the endoscope to a user. The visual port may be anoptical window at the proximal end that provides visual access to aviewing lens at the distal end.

The viewing lens may function to provide a window that an image sensorviews through. The viewing, lens may function to protect an image sensor(e.g., a camera). The viewing lens may be a cover over an image sensor.The viewing lens may be a viewing face of the endoscope and vice versa.The viewing face may be a surface of the endoscope that an image isgenerated through. The viewing lens may a portion of the endoscopeextended into a location of interest and may be inhibited from allowinga clear image to be formed.

The sheath may function to provide one or more conduits, lumen, channelsor a combination thereof for a fluid, suction, a functional device(e.g., a cutting tool, cauterizing tool, or both), or a combinationthereof to extend out of a distal end region of the sheath. The sheathmay function to form all or a portion of a conduit, channel, lumen, or acombination thereof for fluid, suction, a functional device, or acombination thereof to extend out of a distal end region of the sheath.The sheath may function to provide cleaning, washing, or both of anendoscope. The sheath may provide a conduit, channel, a lumen, or acombination thereof that extends from a proximal end to a distal end.The sheath may include one or more lumen, create one or more lumen, orboth. The sheath may include one or more parts that when connectedtogether create a conduit that provides irrigation fluid, suction, afunctional device, or a combination hereof to a distal end of theendoscope. The sheath may substantially mirror the shape of theendoscope. Thus, for example, if the endoscope has a circularcross-section then then sheath has a circular cross section. The sheathmay function as an endoscope cleaner. The sheath may have a distal endand a proximal and with a longitudinal axis that extends therebetween.

The distal end of the sheath may function to direct irrigation fluid,suction, or both across the viewing lens, the distal end, or both of theendoscope. The proximal end of the sheath may function to create aconnection with the endoscope. The proximal end may align the sheathrelative to the endoscope. The proximal end of the sheath may axiallyalign the sheath relative to the endoscope, radially align the sheathrelative to the endoscope, axially align the distal ends of the sheathand the endoscope, the sheath axially relative to a light post of theendoscope, the sheath rotationally relative to a light post of theendoscope, or a combination thereof. The proximal end may receive all ora portion of the endoscope. The proximal end may contact a shoulder ofthe endoscope. A longitudinal axis may extend between the proximal endand the distal end of the sheath. The longitudinal axis may extendthrough a through hole, channel, lumen, or a combination thereof thatextends the length of the sheath. The endoscope may extend within thesheath along the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extendfrom a connection point between the endoscope and the sheath and througha tube of the sheath.

The tube may function to receive the imaging device of the endoscope.The tube may have one or more dimples for positioning the endoscopewithin the sheath. The tube may include one or more dimples for creatinga fluid path, a suction path, or both though the tube. The tube may belocated at the distal end of the endoscope. The tube may be generallythe same size and shape as the endoscope. For example, if the endoscopehas a generally circular cross-section then the tube may have agenerally circular cross-section.

The port may function to provide access into the tube of the sheath. Theport may function to provide a fluid connection, a connection with oneor more irrigation sources, a connection with one or more suctionsources, one or more common lines, one or more delivery lines, or acombination thereof. The port may form a fixed connection with one ormore lines so that, suction, irrigation fluid, or both may be providedthrough the port. The port may provide direct access to the inside ofthe tube. The port may be configured so, that one or more functionalelements (e.g., a cutting tool, a cauterizing tool, or both) may gainaccess to the inside of the tube of the sheath, may extend out of thedistal end of the sheath, or both. For example, the port may not bereceive items that flow. The port may be part of a handpiece of thesheath. The port may be part of the tube, the hub, or both.

The hub may function to connect the sheath to the endoscope. The hub mayfunction to seal the sheath to the endoscope. The hub may surround aportion of the endoscope. The hub may function to create a fluid sealwith the endoscope so that irrigation fluid, suction, or both do notleak. The hub may receive a shoulder of the endoscope so that theshoulder and the hub form a fluidly sealed connection. The hub mayinclude a collar, an arm, or both that receive all or a portion of theendoscope.

The collar may be an integral part of the hub. The collar may functionto axially align, rotationally align, or both the endoscope and thesheath. The collar may form a majority of the hub (e.g., 50 percent ormore, 60 percent or more, or 70 percent or more). The collar may extendpartially around the light post. The collar may include one or moreflares that extend proximally from the collar.

The one or more spacers may function to axially align the endoscopewithin the sheath. The one or more spacers may contact a shoulder of theendoscope and align the endoscope within the sheath. The spacer maycontact an endoscope so that the endoscope is, axially aligned withinthe tube. The one or more spacers may be optional. The spacer may belocated proximate to one or more O-rings.

The one or more O-rings may function to form a seal between the sheathand a tube of the endoscope. The one or more O-rings may function toprevent fluid from traveling toward is the proximal end of theendoscope. The one or more O-rings may function to create a seal. Theone or more O-rings may be located within the hub, proximate to a collarof the hub, or both. The one or more O-rings may be made of any materialthat forms a seal. The one or more O-rings may create a circumferentialseal, a thrust seal, or both. The one or more O-rings may be axiallycompressed, radially compressed, radially expanded, or a combinationthereof. The one or more O-rings may include one or more through holes.The one or more O-rings may elastically deform. The one or more O-ringsmay be made of an elastomer, include elastic, include rubber, include adeformable material, include a deformation region, or a combinationthereof. The one or more O-rings may be located proximate to a lockingring.

The one or more locking rings may lock the O-ring to the sheath, theendoscope, or both. The one or more locking rings may function to locktwo or more components together. The one or more locking rings mayinclude a through hole so that the endoscope extends through the tubeand the locking ring.

A through hole may extend from a proximal end to a distal end of thesheath. A through hole may be sufficiently large so that the endoscopeand fluid (e.g., irrigation fluid, suction, or both) may pass from thedistal end to the proximal end of the sheath. The tube may include oneor more through holes in the sheath. The through hole in the tube mayopen directly to a point of interest, an internal location of a patient,or both. The through hole may include one or more flow directors.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of sheath 90 for use with an endoscopecleaning system (not shown). The sheath 90 includes a distal end 92 anda proximal end 94. A tube 96 and hub 98 extend between the distal end 92and the proximal end 94. The hub 98 includes a port 106 for receivingsuction, an irrigation fluid, or both. The hub 98 as shown has a collar100 that includes an optional socket 102 for receiving a light post 72(not shown) of, a corresponding device (not shown) and the socket 102includes an undercut 104 for forming a connection with the correspondingdevice.

FIG. 1B illustrates an end view of the sheath 90 from the proximal end94. The port 106 is shown extending from the hub 98 and a through hole152 is shown extending through the tube 96 and hub 98. The socket 102 isillustrated extending through the hub 98 towards the port 106.

FIG. 1C illustrates a view of the sheath 90 from the distal end 92. Athrough hole 152 is shown extending through the sheath 90.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the sheath 90 of FIG. 1Acut along lines A-A of FIG. 1C. The sheath 90 includes a tube 96connected to a hub 98. The tube 96 includes a dimple 134 for aligning anendoscope (not shown) within the sheath 90. The hub 98 includes a spacer128 between an end of the tube 96 and a mating surface of the hub 98. AnO-ring 130 is located in the hub proximate to a locking ring 132 forcreating connection between the hub 98 and an endoscope (not shown). Thetube 96 includes a dimple 134 along the longitudinal axis of the tube90.

FIG. 3 illustrates an endoscope 60 extending into a sheath 90. Theendoscope 60 includes a proximal end 84 including a visual port 74. Thevisual port 74 allows a user to view locations of interest locatedwithin the viewing cone 78 at the distal end 62 of the endoscope 60(e.g., a 0 degree endoscope). The endoscope 60 includes a distal end 62that extends to a distal end 92 of a sheath 90. The sheath 90 includes atube 96 extending from a distal end 92 to a hub 98. The hub 98 includesa port for receiving suction, an irrigation fluid, or both. The hub 98terminates at a proximal end 94 that receives a shoulder 70 of a lightport 72.

FIG. 4 illustrates an endoscope cleaning system 2. The endoscopecleaning system 2 includes an irrigation source 4 connected to anirrigation line 6 that is connected to a control module 30 having a pump14 for controlling flow of irrigation fluid between the irrigationsource 4 and a sheath 90. The control module 30 includes a power source20 and, a controller and/or microprocessor (not shown) that is incommunication with a user interface 31 for controlling the controlmodule 30. The system 2 includes a suction source 10 that is connectedto the control module 30. The control module 30 includes a valve 8 thatcontrols suction through the suction line 6. The valve 8 for controlssuction between the suction source 10 and the sheath 90 so that suctionmay be turned of during all or portion of the application cycle of theirrigation fluid. The irrigation line 6 and the suction line 12 areconnected together at a common fitting 16 that connects the irrigationline 6 and the suction line 12 to a common line 18/delivery line 42 forsupplying a fluid or suction to the sheath 90 for cleaning an endoscope(not shown). The common line 18/delivery line 42 are long enough so thatduring the suction cycle the common line 18/deliver line 42 is notevacuated of fluid.

FIG. 5 illustrates a control module 30 that includes a pump 14, a powersource 20, a user interface 31, and one or more valves 8. The irrigationsource 4 is gravity fed into the pump 14 and then the pump 14 sendsfluid through the irrigation line 6 to the sheath 90 so that the sheath90 washes the endoscope 60. The suction source 10 is connected to avalve 8 of the control module 30 that controls suction being drawnthrough the suction lines 12. Both the irrigation lines 6 and thesuction lines 12 are connected to a common fitting 16 and a singlecommon line 18/delivery line 42 extend from the common fitting 16 to thesheath 90. The common line 18/delivery line 42 is short enough so thatall of the fluid is evacuated when the suction cycle is initiated. Thesuction line 12 may include a valve 8 that is a passive check valve toprevent irrigation fluid from being forced into the suction line.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system including a control module 30 that controlsthe flow of irrigation fluid and suction through the system. Anirrigation source 4 is connected to a resilient reservoir 32 by anirrigation line 6. The resilient reservoir 32 is located between anactuation member 47 and a base 48 so that upon movement of the actuationmember 47 the resilient reservoir 32 is compressed and irrigation fluidis moved into the irrigation line 6 towards the common fitting 16 andfrom the common fitting 16 into the common line 18/delivery line 42 sothat the irrigation fluid is supplied to the sheath 90 to wash theendoscope 60. At some predetermined time after movement of the actuationmember 47 the control module 30 will activate suction to be applied. Thevalve 8 will actuate so that suction moves from the endoscope 90 throughthe common line 18/delivery line 42 past the common fitting 16 and intothe suction line 12. The suction line 12 extends through the valve 8 andinto the suction source 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a resilient reservoir 32. The resilient reservoir 32includes and an entrance port 34 for supplying fluid to the resilientreservoir 32 and an exit port 40 that supplies fluid to a sheath (notshown).

FIG. 8 illustrates a control module 30. The control module 30 includesan actuation member 46 that extends over a resilient reservoir 32 andassists in controlling the flow of fluid from the resilient reservoir 32to a sheath 90 (not shown). As illustrated, fluid, is fed into theresilient reservoir 32 via a supply line 36/irrigation line 6 thatextends from an irrigation source 4 (not shown). When the actuationmember 46 is actuated the actuation member 46 rotates about a pivotpoint 47 so that the actuation member 46 compresses the resilientreservoir 32 between the actuation member 46 and a base 48 moving fluidout of the exit, port 40 through a delivery line 42/irrigation line 6.Movement of the actuation member 46 triggers a predetermined responsewhere after a predetermined amount of time the valve 8 is actuated sothat suction is applied though the suction line 12 from the supply line36 side through the valve 8 and to the delivery line 42 side.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a control module 30. The controlmodule 30 includes an irrigation line 6 that is connected to a resilientreservoir 32. The resilient reservoir 32 is compressed by an actuationmember 46 that rotates about a pivot 47 to expel fluid. The actuationmember 46 is connected to the base 48 by the pivot 47 and moves relativeto the base 48. A suction line 12 extends through a valve 8 thatcontrols the flow of suction in the system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a cover of the base 48removed. As illustrates the resilient reservoir 32 rests in a cradle andincludes an irrigation line 6 extending from each side. The suction line12 extends through a valve 8 which is controlled by an electricalcontroller 9 during movement of the actuation member (not shown).

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at, least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc., areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic, and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: a) connecting a sheath to anendoscope; b) connecting a delivery line to the sheath; c) connecting asuction source to a control module by a suction line; d) connecting anirrigation source to the control module by an irrigation line; and e)connecting the control module to the delivery line by the suction lineand the irrigation line so that suction and irrigation fluid extendthrough the control module; wherein application of the irrigation fluidand application of the suction are provided by a single event.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the single event is moving an actuationmember.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein moving the actuation membertriggers a response from a controller that initiates movement of a valveso that the valve opens and the application of the suction to the sheathoccurs after the application of the irrigation fluid to the sheathbegins but before the application of the irrigation fluid to the sheathends.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a delay occurs between theapplication of the irrigation fluid and the application of the suction.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the control module includes aresilient reservoir, and the resilient reservoir applies the irrigationfluid upon an application of pressure on the resilient reservoir andceases to apply the irrigation fluid upon release of the pressure fromthe resilient reservoir.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlmodule includes an actuation member that extends over a resilientreservoir, and moving the actuation member forces the irrigation fluidout of the resilient reservoir to the sheath.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein releasing the actuation member causes the suction to be appliedto the sheath and movement of the irrigation fluid towards the sheath isterminated.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the irrigation fluid isapplied up to a predetermined volume of fluid.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the application of the suction is up to a predetermined timeinterval.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the control modulecomprises: a) an actuation member; b) a resilient reservoir incommunication with the irrigation line and the actuation member; c) avalve in communication with the suction line; and d) a controller incommunication with the actuation member and the valve, wherein themethod includes a step of: compressing the resilient reservoir with theactuation member so that the irrigation fluid moves from the resilientreservoir to the sheath, and wherein during the compressing step, theactuation member triggers a response from the controller, whichinitiates movement of the valve so that the valve opens and theapplication of the suction to the sheath begins after the application ofthe irrigation fluid to the sheath begins but before the application ofthe irrigation fluid to the sheath ends.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein during the compressing step, the actuation member evenlycompresses the resilient reservoir thereby creating pressure that forcesthe irrigation fluid from the resilient reservoir.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the resilient reservoir, the valve, and the controllerare supported on a base of the control module, and wherein the actuationmember is connected to the base by a pivot, and during the compressingstep the actuation member is pivotly moved relative to the base.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the suction line and the irrigation line areconnected with a common fitting between the sheath and the controlmodule, and the delivery line extends between the common fitting and thesheath.
 14. A method comprising: compressing a resilient reservoir withan actuation member so that irrigation fluid is applied to a sheath, thesheath is adapted to receive at least a portion of an endoscope, andapplying suction to the sheath after the irrigation fluid begins movingto the sheath but before the irrigation fluid stops moving to thesheath, wherein during the compressing step, the actuation membertriggers a response from a controller that initiates movement of a valveso that the valve opens and the suction is applied to the sheath. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the resilient reservoir is incommunication with an irrigation source supplying the irrigation fluidto the resilient reservoir through an irrigation line, wherein a suctionsource is in communication with the valve through a suction line, andwherein the irrigation line and the suction line are connected to acommon delivery line that is in communication with the sheath forapplying the irrigation fluid and the suction to the sheath.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the resilient reservoir, the actuationmember, and the valve are part of a foot pedal, wherein the resilientreservoir, the valve, and the controller are supported on a base, andthe actuation member is connected to the base by a pivot, and whereinduring the compressing step, the actuation member is pivotly movedrelative to the base.
 17. A method comprising: a step of compressing aresilient reservoir with an actuation member so that irrigation fluidfrom the resilient reservoir is applied to a sheath through a deliveryline, the sheath is adapted to receive at least a portion of anendoscope, wherein during the compressing step, the actuation membertriggers a response from a controller that initiates movement of a valveso that the valve opens and suction from a suction source is applied tothe sheath through the delivery line, wherein the suction is applied tothe sheath after the irrigation fluid begins moving from the resilientreservoir to the sheath but before the irrigation fluid stops movingfrom the resilient reservoir to the sheath, wherein a suction lineconnects the suction source to the valve, wherein an irrigation lineconnects an irrigation source to the resilient reservoir to supply theresilient reservoir with the irrigation fluid, wherein the suction lineand the irrigation line are connected to the delivery line with a commonfitting.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the resilient reservoir,the actuation member, and the valve are part of a foot pedal.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein during the compressing step, the actuationmember evenly applies compression on the resilient reservoir creatingpressure that forces the irrigation fluid from the resilient reservoirto the sheath.
 20. A method comprising: compressing a resilientreservoir with an actuation member so that irrigation fluid is appliedto a sheath, the sheath is adapted to receive at least a portion of anendoscope, applying suction to the sheath after the irrigation fluidbegins moving to the sheath but before the irrigation fluid stops movingto the sheath, wherein the resilient reservoir is in communication withan irrigation source supplying the irrigation fluid to the resilientreservoir through an irrigation line, wherein a suction source is incommunication with a valve through a suction line, wherein theirrigation line and the suction line are connected to a common deliveryline that is in communication with the sheath for applying theirrigation fluid and the suction to the sheath, wherein the resilientreservoir, the actuation member, and the valve are part of a foot pedal,wherein the resilient reservoir, the valve, and a controller aresupported on a base, and the actuation member is connected to the baseby a pivot, and wherein during the compressing step, the actuationmember is pivotly moved relative to the base.